Assistant Public Defender (.75)

State of Minnesota Board of Public Defense•Willmar, MN

About The Position

Under general supervision, performs work of routine difficulty providing legal services to indigent defendants charged with criminal offenses in district court and to juveniles alleged to be delinquent in juvenile court. Part-time attorneys may establish a private practice. The position prepares and presents cases for misdemeanor, felony, and juvenile clients; conducts client and witness interviews; performs legal research; drafts or oversees preparation of legal documents; and represents clients in court proceedings. It also involves evaluating custody, bail, and competency matters, arranging expert witnesses when needed, negotiating plea agreements, coordinating with professionals about appropriate treatment programs as part of defense strategy, and advising and directing law clerks. The office uses personal computers, email, and Internet access.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college of law.
Admission to the Bar of the State of Minnesota, or graduation from an accredited law school and certification to practice under the Supreme Court Student Practice Rule.
Individuals hired under the Student Practice Rule must pass the bar on their first attempt; failure to pass is grounds for dismissal.
Good knowledge of criminal law and procedure.
Good knowledge of the principles, methods, and practices of legal research and investigation.
Good knowledge of judicial procedures and the Rules of Evidence.
Good knowledge of pleading and the effective presentation of court cases.
Skills in conducting legal research and analyzing data.
Skills in determining proper courses of action and presenting facts and arguments.
Ability to analyze legal documents and instruments.
Ability to appraise and organize facts to present evidence and other material in written or oral form.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with prosecutors, judges, referees, other professionals, clients, and the general public.

Responsibilities

Prepare cases defending indigent persons charged with criminal offenses in district courts and cases involving dependency, neglect, or delinquency petitions in juvenile court.
Interview clients and prospective witnesses.
Prepare or oversee the drafting of briefs, memoranda, pleadings, and other legal papers.
Conduct or direct legal research.
Represent misdemeanor, felony, and juvenile clients in arraignments, pre-trial hearings, trials, dispositions, and other proceedings.
Interview clients in custody and make initial decisions concerning matters such as bail, release from custody, and mental competency to stand trial.
Determine whether expert witnesses are needed, locate appropriate experts, and schedule them for trial when needed.
Negotiate with County and City Attorneys to reach plea agreements.
Consult with social workers, probation officers, judges, and referees to determine appropriate treatment programs for clients as part of defense strategy.
Advise and direct the work of law clerks.
Perform related work as required.